Harrison Police Host 3rd. Pizza With A Cop Event on Mon. July 28, 2025

The Harrison Police Department’s Community Policing Unit will host its third Pizza With A Cop event of the year on Monday, July 28, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 300 Somerset Street, located between South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard and South 3rd Street. The event is part of a growing series of community engagement initiatives that invite residents to connect with local officers over complimentary pizza and beverages in a friendly, informal setting.

Now in its fourth year, Pizza With A Cop has become a cornerstone of the Harrison Police Department’s commitment to community policing. This year’s events are being held under the leadership of Police Chief Stanley Titterington and Police Director Nicholas Breiner, who have continued the efforts launched by retired Chief David Strumolo to build strong, trust-based relationships between law enforcement and residents.

A Legacy of Community Engagement

Harrison has long been a pioneer in community policing, with roots stretching back to the 1990s under retired Deputy Chief Patrick Minutillo. During that time, the department participated in numerous community-driven programs, including Naturalization Drives that supported immigrants pursuing U.S. citizenship. These efforts were conducted in partnership with local civic organizations such as the Harrison Fest Committee and the Centro Romeu Cascaes Portuguese American Community Center. Officers assisted in tasks like fingerprinting and form completion—showcasing the department’s commitment to serving beyond enforcement duties.

What Is Community Policing?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, community policing is a collaborative partnership between law enforcement and the community aimed at identifying and solving problems proactively. It shifts the focus of police work from responding to crime to preventing it through active engagement, empowering residents to take part in shaping safer neighborhoods.

The benefits of community policing in urban areas like Harrison include:

• Increased trust and transparency between the police and the community
• Reduced crime rates through collaborative problem-solving
• Improved quality of life, as officers better understand the needs of the neighborhoods they serve
• Youth engagement can deter future criminal activity and build respect for law enforcement

A Continued Commitment

Chief Titterington has emphasized that building connections through positive, everyday interactions is vital to maintaining public safety and mutual respect. Pizza With A Cop exemplifies this philosophy—offering a casual space for conversation, questions, and shared meals that break down barriers between officers and the people they serve.

The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, even when members of the community express frustration with traffic, lack of parking, speeding, and other quality of life issues, some of which are out of the control of the police department. The events are a chance to talk about concerns, ask questions, and just connect. They humanize the badge and educate the officers on issues they may not have even been aware were important to residents.

All Are Welcome

The Harrison Police Department invites all residents to come out to 300 Somerset Street on Monday, July 28, enjoy some pizza, and meet the officers who are committed to protecting and serving the community. It’s more than a slice and a handshake—it’s a step toward a stronger, safer, and more united Harrison.

For more information on upcoming community events, follow the Harrison Police Department Facebook page or contact the Community Policing unit at Police Headquarters at the rear of the Harrison Town Hall (entrance is on Cleveland Avenue).

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